The largest Dutch union, the Dutch Trade Union Federation (FNV) decided to maintain in 3.5% wage claim for 2009, despite the crisis. In doing so, it rejected the calls made by Maria van der Hoeven, Minister for Economic Affairs, for "wage moderation". (Ref. 081016)
“If people have more money to spend, they will buy more and it will be good for the economy” the FNV argues, asking the Minister not to meddle in negotiations between employers and unions. The Central Planning Bureau (CPB) – a governmental agency – is expecting an average 3% wage increase in 2009, and 1.5% in 2010. Wage claims appear even less bearable since inflation, already one of the lowest in Europe (2.5% in 2008), should not exceed 1.5% in 2009 and 1% in 2010, thanks to the drop in oil pr
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